FirstBank restates commitment to sports development as players set for Lagos Open Golf Championship

Firstbank has restated its commitment to helping the country develop the sports sector, which it sees as critical to nation building.

The bank is a big player in the country’s sports with its interventions in football, basketball and golf, among others.

On November 16, FirstBank will welcome some of the top golfers across the country at Ikoyi Club 1938, where it is hosting the 2026 Lagos Open Golf Championship, which has N65 million as total prize money.

According to the programme unveiled by the organisers on Tuesday, the competition, in its 65th year, will feature caddies, who will take to the course on November 16, followed by the Championship kitty the following day, while Corporate Challenge for Charity will hold on November 19.

The main event, open to 0-9 handicap players, will be played over 54 holes from November 20 to 22.

The tournament, which is already attracting lots of interest within and outside the country, will see the winner of the professional category earning N10 million of the N34.5m staked.

Speaking on the event in Lagos, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, restated the bank’s commitment to golf sponsorship, saying, “In the game of golf, success is never accidental; it is earned through discipline, patience, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and these values equally define FirstBank.”

Represented by Group Executive, Commercial Banking, South Division, Nnaemeka Ejeh, Alebiosu said the game goes beyond scores but is a test of mental focus and consistency that demands improvement.

“While achievements on the golf course matter, equally important are focus, fair play, discipline and integrity.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Akinwumi Akintola, described the 65th edition of the FirstBank Lagos Open Golf Championship as more than just the longevity of a competition.

He said the milestone represents consistency, commitment and sustained investment in sporting excellence, noting that the championship has grown into one of the most recognised events on Nigeria’s golf calendar.

Captain of the Golf Section of Ikoyi Club 1938, Afolabi Balogun, said the FirstBank Lagos Open Golf Championship has grown beyond a competition to become a major platform for developing the sport in Nigeria.